ABELL, Charles S. Assistant Secretary of Defense Principal Deputy for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense. Served as Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy) from 8 May 2001 to 14 November 2002.

Charles S. Abell was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy on May 8, 2001. A Presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate, he is responsible for policies, plans and programs for military and civilian personnel management, including recruitment, education, career development, equal opportunity, compensation, recognition, discipline, quality of life and separation of all Department of Defense personnel, both military and civilian.

Prior to this position, Mr. Abell served as a professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Mr. Abell joined the Armed Services Committee staff in 1993, after a 26 year career in the Army. He was the lead staffer for the Subcommittee on Personnel, responsible for issues concerning military readiness and quality of life. His responsibilities also encompassed manpower; pay and compensation; and personnel management issues affecting active duty, reserve and civilian personnel; and organization and functions within the Department of Defense.

Mr. Abell entered active duty service as an enlisted soldier and concluded his Army career by retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam in various positions; Infantry Platoon Leader, Company Commander and Cobra Attack helicopter pilot. His career progressed through increasingly responsible positions at every level of Army operations. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, (2) Bronze Stars (Valor), Purple Heart , the Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), 14 Air Medals (two for Valor), the Army Commendation Medal (for Valor), and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Mr. Abell holds a Master of Science from Columbus University in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Tampa. Mr. Abell and his wife reside in Fairfax, Virginia.